2005 Harley-Davidson reviews

I purchased a 2005 Lowrider in Feb of 09. Today was the first day I rode it. Picked it up from the dealer after winter storage and this day could not come fast enough. I was coming off of a Honda Shadow VLX 600 and that was a great bike to get back into the saddle with after a 10 year hiatus. I soon realized that I was going to need a bigger machine. I looked at the Sportster 1200 as well as the Lowrider. I went to buy a Sportster and it sold before I got to the dealer, and BOY am I glad I fell onto the Lowrider. I was a little intimidated with the lowrider at first but after 5 minutes of riding, it was like I had owned it all along. I can't get over how SMOOTH this bike rides. She has a nice low center of gravity, making it easy to handle especially in the corners. She takes the bumps like they are nothing, and wind resistance, wow she trucks right along. VERY VERY VERY Stable machine. The Fuel injection is great, she starts right up no problem. The stock seat for me is comfortable, then again I am not very tall so that probably has a lot to do with it. I have no problem flat footing the bike at all, the seat height is perfect. If you are a smaller rider, male or female, this would make the perfect bike. The only two complaints I have is, 1: The Mid controls take a little getting use to. 2: The Initial price to get into this machine is higher than it should be. If you have experience riding and are contemplating a Sportster, do yourself a favor and move into the Dyna series if you can afford to. You don't have to buy new. You will be happy you did, trust me!!! My final words, this is a top Notch, quality built, stable Smooooth Ride! Show less

This is my 5th Harley since 1979 and by far the most fun. I do not jump from bike to bike. When I get one I stay loyal. I do not see myself getting back on a tractor. After about 100 yards on the VRSCB I knew there was something that I had been missing for a long time: power. don't get me wrong; there is a special place in my heart for every Harley I have ever owned and I would not trade them for anything except maybe a VRSC. If you ever get on one you will know what I mean when I say, "WOW. Show less

I never owned a Harley until this year. My wife wanted my Nomad triked so she could learn to ride and I used it as an opportunity to try a Harley. I bought my 2005 with a new (rebuilt) engine with only 20 miles on it this year (the original owner built the engine but didn't build the oil pump - bad move). It retained the Screaming Eagle 6 speed tranny. Compared to my Nomad it handles much better. Even though the weight is similar, the Ultra handles so much better. Power is about equal but my Ultra has the 6 speed and gas mileage is much better. Best handling and most comfortable bike I've ever ridden. Show less

I purchased mine new and have not had a minute's trouble. It rides smooth and has enough power to carry two. I would recommend it for anyone that wants to ride in comfort, especially with the tunes! Show less

I must say that this is one of the finest and fastest bikes I've ever owned! It took a 2008 Screamin' Eagle Road King to make me even consider letting this one go. Well maintained, loaded to the nines, kept clean 24-7, and runs like a charm! The 95 ci engine was just getting loosened up at the 10,000 mark... I think this one is going to get even faster. The rider that gets this bike will get a motorcycle masterpiece. Food for thought! Show less

Great bike that handles well. As soon as I got it, I had a stage one done on it, pipes, air intake, re-jet the carb, and ignition module. The stock seat is crap, get rid of it as soon as possible. Overall I have been very happy. Show less

This is the firt truly big bike that I've ever owned. I've owned quite a few bikes, mostly sport and standards. I figured that this Road King Custom would be comfortable, but I was afraid that it might be a whale and cumbersome. Well I was wrong. It is comfortable, but it is also incredibly nimble for such a big bike! What a great surprise! The streamlined floor boards give you much more lean angle than other baggers. It is no sport bike, but it will move. I put the stage one kit on and a pair of Bassani true duals. I've had it up to 115mph. One tip: Get rid of the Beach Bars right away. They are awful(unless you want to feel like you are pushing a wheel barrow and you enjoy not being able to steer at slow speeds). I put Harley Dresser bars. They are great. They made the Road King into a completly different bike (manuverable and comfortable). Show less

Look, the only thing I know is my bike has been perfect. I have never had a single problem and I've had the bike two years. It has plenty of power, I take it anywhere, back roads, highways. I've riden two-up. It's a good bike for the money. I highly recommend it to anyone who wants to ride and has a limited budget. Show less

I bought this bike used with 2350 miles on it in March 06, so at this point, I've had it for 15 months and about 7000 additional miles. For just plain fast fun, it's hard to beat. The small complaints are the 100 mile range gas tank, and poor passenger comfort, even with the touring seat. As a matter of personal taste, I think it is one of the prettiest bikes on the road. It handles well for a 625 pound cruiser, and the under 4 second 0-60mph leaves most of my friends in the dust. This CVO Screamin' Eagle model has lots of chrome and 5 spoke rims. I never did like the solid v-rod rims. Show less

Been a great bike so far, been to Sturgis and all over Western Montana-- no problems, great power. Mine is the silver one. Hoping this will be a collector as the production numbers are very low. The bigger displacements run hotter than the 88 so you should get an oil cooler or parade fan. Show less